Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
  • G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
  • G01B7/14—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
  • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/82—Testing the joint
  • B29C65/8253—Testing the joint by the use of waves or particle radiation, e.g. visual examination, scanning electron microscopy, or X-rays
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
  • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
  • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
  • B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/342—Preventing air-inclusions
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
  • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
  • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
  • B29C66/431—Joining the articles to themselves
  • B29C66/4312—Joining the articles to themselves for making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles, e.g. transversal seams
  • B29C66/43121—Closing the ends of tubular or hollow single articles, e.g. closing the ends of bags
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
  • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
  • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
  • B29C66/81433—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined being toothed, i.e. comprising several teeth or pins, or being patterned
  • B29C66/81435—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined being toothed, i.e. comprising several teeth or pins, or being patterned comprising several parallel ridges, e.g. for crimping
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
  • B29C66/816—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
  • B29C66/8161—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps said pressing elements being supported or backed-up by springs or by resilient material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
  • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
  • B29C66/8227—Transmission mechanisms using springs
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
  • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
  • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
  • B29C66/849—Packaging machines
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/922—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by measuring the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/9231—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by measuring the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by measuring the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/92311—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by measuring the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by measuring the displacement of the joining tools with special measurement means or methods
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/924—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/9261—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/92611—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the gap between the joining tools
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/929—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools characterized by specific pressure, force, mechanical power or displacement values or ranges
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
  • B29C66/929—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools characterized by specific pressure, force, mechanical power or displacement values or ranges
  • B29C66/9292—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools characterized by specific pressure, force, mechanical power or displacement values or ranges in explicit relation to another variable, e.g. pressure diagrams
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/96—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process
  • B29C66/961—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving a feedback loop mechanism, e.g. comparison with a desired value
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
  • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
  • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
  • B65B51/146—Closing bags
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
  • B65B7/02—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks
  • B65B7/06—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks by collapsing mouth portion, e.g. to form a single flap
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
  • G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
  • G01B11/14—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
  • B29C65/04—Dielectric heating, e.g. high-frequency welding, i.e. radio frequency welding of plastic materials having dielectric properties, e.g. PVC
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
  • B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
  • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
  • B29C66/735—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined
  • B29C66/7352—Thickness, e.g. very thin
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
  • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
  • B29C66/737—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
  • B29C66/7373—Joining soiled or oxidised materials
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
  • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
  • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
  • B29C66/81411—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat
  • B29C66/81415—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being bevelled
  • B29C66/81417—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being bevelled being V-shaped
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
  • B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
  • B29C66/8242—Pneumatic or hydraulic drives
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
  • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
  • B29C66/849—Packaging machines
  • B29C66/8491—Packaging machines welding through a filled container, e.g. tube or bag
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
  • B29C66/919—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
  • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
  • B29C66/919—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges
  • B29C66/9192—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges in explicit relation to another variable, e.g. temperature diagrams
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
  • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
  • B65B51/26—Devices specially adapted for producing transverse or longitudinal seams in webs or tubes
  • B65B51/30—Devices, e.g. jaws, for applying pressure and heat, e.g. for subdividing filled tubes
  • B65B51/303—Devices, e.g. jaws, for applying pressure and heat, e.g. for subdividing filled tubes reciprocating along only one axis
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
  • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
  • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
  • G01N21/8806—Specially adapted optical and illumination features

Definitions

• the invention relates to a device for detecting defects during sealing of a package comprising a foil.
• the invention also relates to a method for detecting defects during sealing of a package comprising a foil, particularly by making use of the device according to the invention.
• a wide range of products is packaged in an airtight (sealed) package so as to increase the shelf life of the products, guarantee quality and/or maintain sterility.
• Such products vary from food and beverages and medical, electrical and pharmaceutical products to liquids, solids, gases or a combination thereof.
• a crucial part of the packaging process is to ensure a high-quality sealing of the package.
• the quality is particularly determined here by the air-tightness, but may also relate to other aspects such as inclusions, strength and visual appearance.
• the seal package weld seam
• the quality of the packaged product may degrade relatively quickly, which can compromise the microbiological safety and thereby endanger the health of the consumer.
• Insufficient seal quality is a common problem in the packaging industry. Since this problem has consequences for the safety of consumers, and generally also for the market behaviour of consumers, the packaging industry is particularly sensitive to this problem. Manual monitoring of individual packages is usually a time-consuming and costly activity.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a device with which defects can be detected during sealing of packages.
• the invention provides for this purpose a device of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: at least one distance sensor for determining the distance between at least two relatively displaceable clamping elements for pressing against each other the foil and another part of the package to be attached to the foil, and at least one control unit coupled to the at least one distance sensor for comparing the measured values collected by the distance sensor to predefined reference measured values for a period during displacement of the clamping elements toward each other.
• the distance detected between the clamping elements will be greater than, or at least differ from, the predefined reference values, whereby inclusions can be detected and (the seriousness of) the defect in the seal can be determined.
• the seriousness of the defect is usually related here to the extent to which the detected distances differ from the reference values. Measuring the relative displacement speed of the clamping elements, or at least determining this by means of calculation, moreover makes it possible to monitor and determine the mutual fusing of the foil and the other part of the package, generally also formed by another part of the same foil.
• the distance between the clamping elements takes place by applying one or more distance sensors. These distance sensors are adapted to measure the distance of at least one clamping element relative to a reference location, wherein the reference location can be formed by an (opposite) clamping element, whereby the distance between the clamping elements can be measured directly. In the case the reference location is formed by a stationary element, the distance between the clamping elements will then be measured indirectly (via the reference location).
• the device according to the invention thus forms in the first instance a detection device for quality control of a seal of a package comprising a foil.
• the device can have been or can be integrated into an existing packaging line, although it is also possible to envisage the device co-acting as (releasable) module with an existing packaging line.
• the control unit can also be referred to as data-processing unit, since the control unit is particularly adapted to process detected measured values.
• the device comprises a signal generator coupled to the control unit for generating a signal when the control unit determines that at least one detected measured value exceeds at least one reference value.
• the generated signal can here be of electrical, auditive and/or visual nature.
• the signal generally has the purpose of generating a warning to a person operating the device that a manufactured seal has one or more defects, after which the person can optionally remove the defective package from the production line.
• the control unit can here activate the signal generator at the moment that a detected measured value just exceeds a reference value, although it is also possible to envisage the control unit only activating the signal generator after the measured value exceeds the reference value by a predetermined absolute or relative (error) margin.
• the distance between the clamping elements is monitored during at least a period of the closing process, wherein the measured values are compared to predefined reference values related to the progress of the closing process.
• the whole closing process can be monitored here, although it is generally more advisable to monitor only a specific critical period of the closing process.
• the closing process wherein the clamping elements are moved from a (fully) opened position all the way toward each other, has a duration of JC seconds, wherein the distance between the clamping elements is measured for between 0.2x and 5x seconds, particularly between OAx and 2x seconds, more particularly between 0.4 and x. This means that the measured values are collected and compared to the reference values during the final 80% or 60% of the time taken by the closing process.
• the closing process wherein the clamping elements are moved all the way toward each other from an opened position, to have a progression; , wherein the distance between the clamping elements is measured at least between 0.2 and .y, particularly between 0.6y andy.
• the measured values can be collected continuously or discontinuously. When the measured values are collected discontinuously, a measured value is collected a short period (several milliseconds or shorter) after a previous measured value has been collected.
• the total measured values result in a measuring curve which can be displayed graphically on a screen coupled to the control unit.
• a reference curve formed by the reference values will generally be displayed on the screen, usually together with the actual measuring curve.
• a clear jump discontinuity
• a clear jump will usually be visible in the measuring curve as a result of instantaneous softening of the foil parts to be attached to each other when a sufficiently high temperature is reached, whereby the clamping elements
• the at least one distance sensor is usually advantageous for the at least one distance sensor to be suitable for connection to a clamping element, whereby the distance measurement can take place with exceptional accuracy.
• Several types of distance sensor are suitable for use in the device according to the invention. Since even small variations (defects) in the seal should preferably be detected, use is preferably made of a type of distance sensor with a relatively high accuracy (in the order of magnitude of micrometres).
• Non-limitative examples of applicable sensors are eddy current sensors, optical sensors and capacitive sensors. It is possible to envisage the at least one distance sensor comprising a plurality of mutually co-acting sensor parts.
• the at least one distance sensor comprises here at least one active sensor part and at least one passive sensor part.
• An active sensor part will here generally emit radiation, particularly electromagnetic radiation, and/or a field, particularly an electric and/or magnetic field, wherein the passive sensor part is adapted to reflect and/or disturb the generated radiation and/or the generated field.
• the distance sensor is an optical sensor
• the active sensor part comprises a light source and the passive sensor part comprises at least one reflector for reflecting a light beam emitted by the active sensor part.
• the device comprises at least two clamping elements for pressing against each other the foil and another part of the package to be attached to the foil.
• a clamping element When the distance sensor comprises a plurality of sensor parts, it is advantageous for a clamping element to be provided with at least one first sensor part and the opposite clamping element to be provided with at least one second sensor part. Measuring the distance between the opposite outer ends of opposite clamping elements is
• the device comprises a plurality of distance sensors for determining distances between different opposite parts of the clamping elements.
• the mutual distance between the clamping elements can in this way be determined in location-specific manner, this further enhancing the accuracy of the device.
• at least one clamping element is provided here at both outer ends with at least one distance sensor.
• the other part of the package can be of diverse nature and can for instance be formed by a bottle or other type of container on which a foil has to be sealed.
• the device according to the invention will however usually be applied in and/or on a device for sealing foil packages (flow packs), wherein the other part of the package is formed by an (other) foil part. It is otherwise possible to envisage the device according to the invention forming an integral part of a device for sealing packages. It is therefore advantageous for the at least two clamping elements to be adapted to press two foil parts of the package against each other and mutually attach them, so forming a particularly airtight seal.
• the clamping elements will usually be formed here by clamping bars, also referred to as welding bars.
• the clamping bars extend substantially linearly here.
• clamping elements it is usually advantageous for the mutually facing sides of the clamping elements to take an at least partially profiled form, this generally enhancing the quality of the seal to be formed.
• clamping elements taking a non-linear, particularly curved or angular, form.
• the foil for sealing generally has a (single-layer) thickness of between 10 and 2000 micrometres, in particular between 20 and 2000 micrometres, depending on the nature and the material of the foil and depending on the type of seal to be realized.
• the seal can for instance be formed by material fusing under the influence of for instance heat (hot seal), ultrasonic radiation, an electric field, and/or using an adhesive (cold seal).
• the device comprises displacing means to enable relative displacement of the clamping elements, particularly between an opened position, in which the package to be sealed can be arranged between the clamping elements, and a closed position in which the clamping elements can seal the package.
• the displacing means for the relative displacement of at least one clamping element relative to the at least one other clamping element can be of very differing nature. It is possible here to envisage the displacing means functioning for instance pneumatically, hydraulically and/or electromechanically. In a typical situation the displacing means are adapted to exert a pressure of between 4 and 6 bar on the clamping elements, whereby a reliable and airtight seal can generally be manufactured. It is possible to envisage the control of the displacing means taking place by means of the above stated control unit. It is however also possible to envisage applying a separate control unit for controlling the displacing means, which separate control unit can for instance form an integral part of a packaging line. In the case the displacing means, and more preferably the clamping elements, form part of the device according to the invention, the device will also be suitable for sealing packages.
• the device comprises heat-generating means adapted to heat one or all clamping elements, whereby the foil will soften and will fuse with the other part of the package, particularly also formed by a foil, whereby an airtight seal can be formed.
• heat-generating means adapted to heat one or all clamping elements, whereby the foil will soften and will fuse with the other part of the package, particularly also formed by a foil, whereby an airtight seal can be formed.
• Such a type of seal is also referred to as hot seal.
• the invention also relates to a method for detecting defects during sealing of a package comprising a foil, in particular by making use of a device according to the invention, comprising of: A) positioning between at least two clamping elements a foil and another part of the package to be connected to the foil, B) moving the clamping elements toward each other, wherein the connection between the foil and the other part of the package is formed, C) moving the clamping elements apart, and D) removing the package relative to the clamping elements, wherein the distance between the clamping elements is determined for a period during displacement of the clamping elements toward each other as according to step B), wherein the collected measured values are compared to predefined reference values.
• the method comprises step E), comprising of generating a signal when it is determined that at least one detected measured value exceeds at least one reference value.
• Generation of a signal can take place after the reference value has just been exceeded, but can also take place after the reference value has been exceeded by a determined absolute or relative (error) margin. It is also possible to envisage the signal only being generated when multiple measured values exceed the corresponding reference values, so that coincidental variations in a measured value do not immediately result in a signal being generated.
• the signal can for instance be of electrical, auditive and/or visual nature, and can for instance be formed by displaying a message on a screen.
• the other part of the package will usually be formed by a foil, whereby a foil seal is in fact manufactured.
• the seal can be welded here under the influence of increased temperature, but can also be glued.
• at least one clamping element is heated during step B) to a typical temperature of between 90 and 200 degrees Celsius.
• a suitable pressure exerted on the clamping elements and to be transmitted to the foil and the other part of the package preferably lies between 4 and 6 bar.
• the closing process wherein the clamping elements are moved all the way toward each other from an opened position as according to step B), has a duration of x seconds, wherein the distance between the clamping elements is measured for between 0.2x and 5x seconds, particularly between 0.4JC and 4x seconds.
• the closing process has a progression y, wherein the distance between the clamping elements is measured at least between 0.2y andy, particularly between 0.6 and y. Particularly the critical period of the closing process is in this way monitored.
• an instantaneous relative displacement of the clamping elements will occur as soon as the foil parts have become sufficiently soft to allow further displacement of the clamping elements, whereby the actual seal is manufactured.
• This instantaneous movement of the clamping elements is clearly visible as a discontinuity (bend) in the measuring curve formed by the measured values and will generally determine the quality of the hot seal.
• a message can also be generated so that the quality of the formed hot seal will be apparent at a glance.
• An optional subsequent inspection once the seal has been manufactured, can be formed by making an infrared image of the seal (step F), whereby possible irregularities (defects) are immediately made clearly visible.
• An infrared camera can be applied to make an infrared image. It is also possible to envisage applying other types of method to perform the subsequent inspection.
• figure 1 is a schematic view of a device according to the invention adapted to perform the method according to the invention
• figure 2 is a schematic view of an assembly of clamping bars and distance sensors connected to the clamping bars for use in the device according to figure 1 ,
• FIG 3 shows an example of measuring curves generated during use of the device according to figure 1.
• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention adapted to perform the method according to the invention.
• Device 1 is adapted to seal (close airtightly) a chips package 2.
• An open outer end 3 of a chips package 2 already provided with chips is positioned for this purpose between two relatively displaceable clamping bars 4a, 4b.
• Clamping bars 4a, 4b are provided at the outer ends with two distance sensors 5, 6, wherein each distance sensor comprises an active sensor part 5 and an opposite passive sensor part 6 to enable precise measurement of the distance d between clamping bars 4a, 4b.
• the active sensor part 5 can here comprise a light source and the passive sensor part 6 a reflector.
• Clamping bars 4a, 4b are adapted to be heated so that a (hot) seal 2a can be realized. Clamping bars 4a, 4b are connected for this purpose to heating means (not shown). Clamping bars 4a, 4b are shown in further detail in figure 2. At least one clamping bar 4b is coupled to an electric motor 7, this electric motor 7 being coupled to a control unit 8 in order to monitor the progress of the welding process. The active sensor part 5 of each distance sensor 5 is also coupled to the control unit in order to process the measured values collected by distance sensors 5, 6. The control unit is further coupled to a screen 9 for displaying the collected measured values in the form of a measuring curve 10.
• the quality of seal 2a can be determined by measuring the distance d between clamping elements 4a, 4b for a period during closing of clamping bars 4a, 4b, wherein the foil layers of chips package 2 are pressed onto each other. In the case the measured distance d differs significantly from predefined reference value(s) as a function of time and/or progression 2, this may indicate inclusion of air, liquid or solid matter in the seal, which will generally adversely affect the quality of seal 2a. If the predefined reference values are just exceeded, or with a minimal margin, a signal can be generated that the seal has one or more defects. After seal 2a has been manufactured, and chips package 2 thus closed, seal 2a can be inspected by means of infrared equipment 11 coupled to control unit 8.
• Clamping bars 4a, 4b and electric motor 7 do not necessarily have to form part of device 1 according to the invention and can for instance form part of an already existing packaging line. It is also possible to envisage, and usually even advantageous, that distance sensors 5, 6 are coupled to their own control unit, this therefore being a control unit other than the control unit 8 adapted to control electric motor 7 and clamping bars 4a, 4b, whereby a modular detection device is in fact provided which can be arranged as modular unit on any similar packaging line.
• Figure 2 is a schematic view of an assembly of clamping bars 4a, 4b and active sensor parts 5 and passive sensor parts 6 connected to the clamping bars, wherein each couple of active sensor part and passive sensor part forms a distance sensor for use in device 1 according to figure 1.
• An eddy current sensor can be applied as possible active sensor part 5.
• Figure 2 shows clearly that the mutually facing sides 13 of clamping bars 4a, 4b take a profiled form so as to enable improved grip on chips package 2 and, above all else, improved quality of seal 2a.
• One of the clamping bars 4b is coupled to two coil springs 12, which clamping bar 4a, 4b and/or which coil springs 12 are connected to electric motor 7 to enable displacement of said (mobile) clamping bar 4b relative to the opposite (stationary) clamping bar 4a to allow clamping of foil package 2.
• Figure 3 shows an example of measuring curves 10 generated during use of device 1 according to figure 1.
• Figure 3 particularly shows two measuring curves 10a (lower measuring curve) and 10b (upper measuring curve), wherein the distance between clamping bars 4a, 4b is shown in micrometres ( ⁇ ) as a function of the progression 2 expressed in degrees (°).
• ⁇ micrometres
• the overall closing process i.e. the clamping bars 4a, 4b making a relative closing movement, begins at 0° and ends at 180°.
• measured values are collected from only 60°, i.e. once 1/3 of the progression 2 has elapsed. It is of course possible to envisage monitoring beginning at other moments.
• the lower measuring curve 10a is representative of a closing process of clamping bars 4a, 4b wherein a chips package 2 is arranged between clamping bars 4a, 4b, wherein the formed seal 2a displays no defects.
• This measuring curve 10a can therefore be deemed representative of a normal closing process.
• the upper measuring curve 10b is representative of an (average) closing process of clamping bars 4a, 4b wherein a chips package 2 is arranged between clamping bars 4a, 4b but wherein contaminants such as chip particles are also present between foil parts of chips package 2 situated between clamping bars 4a, 4b, which contaminants may cause leakage in the seal and will impede normal closing of clamping bars 4a, 4b and will keep clamping bars 4a, 4b slightly further apart than is usual for the relevant stage of the closing process.
• This variation can be compared to the reference curve 10a and, if sufficiently exceeded, it is possible to determine that seal 2a displays defects which are too serious, whereby chips package 2 is removed from the production line of which the device forms part.
• FIG. 14a Two ovals 14a, 14b have been drawn in the graph according to figure 3 in order to point to specific moments during the closing process. Shown in the left- hand oval 14a is the moment at which clamping bars 4a, 4b collide and thus close while clamping chips package 2. In the right-hand oval (at around 105) an instantaneous change in the distance between clamping bars 4a, 4b is visible in both measuring curves 10a, 10b, this being caused by the clamped foil parts of chips package 2 softening (becoming liquid), whereby fusing of the foil parts becomes possible and whereby displacement thereof toward each other is instantaneously made easier. This important moment is generally indicative of the quality of the final seal.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Toxicology (AREA)
• Package Closures (AREA)
• Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

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Publications (1)

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• 2012
  • 2012-01-17 NL NL2008129A patent/NL2008129C2/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2013
  • 2013-01-17 CN CN201380011198.7A patent/CN104169067B/zh active Active
  • 2013-01-17 ES ES13710548.2T patent/ES2693706T3/es active Active
  • 2013-01-17 US US14/372,881 patent/US9976842B2/en active Active
  • 2013-01-17 JP JP2014552732A patent/JP6364353B2/ja active Active
  • 2013-01-17 PL PL13710548T patent/PL2804742T3/pl unknown
  • 2013-01-17 EP EP13710548.2A patent/EP2804742B1/en active Active
  • 2013-01-17 WO PCT/IB2013/050424 patent/WO2013108202A1/en not_active Ceased
• 2014
  • 2014-08-13 IN IN1631MUN2014 patent/IN2014MN01631A/en unknown

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